Gluten-free diets have become increasingly popular in recent years, with more and more people adopting them for medical reasons or by personal choice. For those who avoid gluten, finding tasty gluten-free options at grocery stores can be a challenge. Trader Joe’s has emerged as a favorite grocery store for many looking for quality gluten-free items. One frequently asked question is: Does Trader Joe’s have gluten-free crackers?
What is Gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, barley and rye. For those with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, consuming gluten can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue and more. About 1% of the population has celiac disease, while 6-10% is estimated to have non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Additionally, some people choose to avoid gluten for other reasons, believing it causes inflammation or other issues.
The Gluten-Free Diet
A gluten-free diet completely excludes gluten. This means avoiding foods and drinks containing wheat, barley, rye and sometimes oats (which may be cross-contaminated with gluten). On a gluten-free diet, you can eat unprocessed meats, fish, poultry, legumes, fruits, vegetables, most dairy products and gluten-free grains like rice and quinoa. Despite the restrictions, a gluten-free diet can be varied and tasty with the right substitutions like gluten-free bread, pasta and crackers.
The Benefits of Going Gluten-Free
Eliminating gluten provides significant benefits for those with gluten-related disorders:
- Reduces inflammation
- Eliminates unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms
- Improves nutrient absorption
- Normalizes damaged small intestine villi
- May improve related symptoms like headaches, fatigue and skin issues
- Decreases risk of long-term complications like osteoporosis and certain cancers
For those without celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the benefits of going gluten-free are less clear. Proponents believe avoiding gluten can improve energy, digestion, inflammation and more. However, there is minimal scientific evidence supporting this. Going gluten-free may simply be a way to eat fewer processed foods overall.
Shopping Gluten-Free
Grocery shopping is more complicated on a gluten-free diet. You have to read labels diligently, shop in specialty aisles and ask questions about how foods are prepared if eating out. Cross-contamination is also a concern, as gluten can transfer from one food to another if they share preparation surfaces or equipment.
Many regular stores now have dedicated gluten-free sections stocked with pastas, breads, crackers and baked goods using alternative gluten-free grains. You’ll also find many specialty gluten-free products in health food stores. Shopping at stores with large gluten-free selections makes going gluten-free much easier.
Trader Joe’s for Gluten-Free
Trader Joe’s has emerged as a favorite for gluten-free shopping. While they don’t have gluten-free store sections, they indicate gluten-free items clearly on shelf labels. TJ’s carries gluten-free baking mixes, breads, bagels, pasta, cereals, snacks and more at affordable prices.
Their store brand foods labeled “gluten-free” must contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten. Trader Joe’s also prohibits the use of glutens and gluten-containing grains in any store brand item labeled gluten-free. Shoppers looking to avoid cross-contamination appreciate that TJ’s preparation surfaces and equipment are thoroughly cleaned between use for gluten-containing and gluten-free foods.
Overall, Trader Joe’s makes it simple to identify and purchase a wide variety of gluten-free products. The availability of gluten-free store brand items is a huge draw for gluten-free shoppers.
Gluten-Free Crackers at Trader Joe’s
Crackers make a tasty gluten-free snack or accompaniment to meals. The crunchy, savory flavor combines well with dips, cheeses, smoked fish and more. Fortunately, Trader Joe’s offers several gluten-free cracker options suitable for those avoiding gluten.
Some gluten-free cracker varieties at Trader Joe’s include:
- Gluten Free Rice Crackers
- Gluten Free Multiseed Crackers
- Gluten Free Original Crackers
- Gluten Free Everything Crackers
- Gluten Free Vegetable Crackers
- Gluten Free Reduced Guilt Crackers
- Gluten Free Roasted Garlic Crackers
Made from a blend of gluten-free grains like rice, corn and buckwheat, these crackers provide a crunchy, savory base for dips, spreads and toppings. The “reduced guilt” variety is lower in fat and calories but doesn’t compromise on flavor.
In addition to their own gluten-free cracker brands, Trader Joe’s also stocks popular national gluten-free cracker brands like:
- Blue Diamond Nut Thins
- Mary’s Gone Crackers
- Simple Mills
- Aleia’s Gluten Free Original Crackers
So whether you prefer simple rice crackers, seeded multigrain-style crackers or another variety, Trader Joe’s has gluten-free options available. The selection may vary a bit by location and season. Be sure to check expiration dates when purchasing.
Tips for Buying Gluten-Free Crackers at Trader Joe’s
Keep these tips in mind when purchasing gluten-free crackers from Trader Joe’s:
- Carefully read ingredient lists to verify no gluten sources like wheat or barley.
- Check labels for statements like “gluten-free”, “made in a gluten-free facility” or similar.
- Look for cracks, crumbs or other signs of mishandling that could cause cross-contamination.
- Purchase crackers made with simple, recognizable ingredients if possible.
- Reference Trader Joe’s gluten-free list online or in-store for brand recommendations.
- Inspect packaging carefully to ensure it is properly sealed.
- Choose crackers within the best by date for freshness.
Following these tips will help you safely choose high-quality, gluten-free crackers from Trader Joe’s every time.
Are Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Crackers Healthy?
When evaluating the healthfulness of gluten-free crackers, you’ll want to look at a few key factors:
Ingredients
Ideally, crackers contain just a few recognizable ingredients like gluten-free grains, seeds, spices and oils. Avoid crackers with artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
Fiber
Look for at least 2-3g of fiber per serving. This indicates whole gluten-free grains were used.
Sodium
Anything under 200mg sodium per serving is considered low sodium. Most gluten-free crackers range from 70-220mg per serving.
Saturated Fat
Less than 2g saturated fat per serving is preferable.
Sugar
Under 3g total sugar per serving is ideal. Avoid if sugar is high on the ingredient list.
Protein
2-5g protein from gluten-free grains, nuts or seeds is good.
When buying Trader Joe’s gluten-free crackers, inspect the nutrition facts and ingredients list on each package to get the full picture. Crackers made from a mix of gluten-free whole grains, seeds, and legumes offer the greatest nutritional value and fiber content.
Recipes Using Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Crackers
Trader Joe’s gluten-free crackers can be used to make easy appetizers, snacks, meals and more. Here are a few recipe ideas:
Baked Brie with Crackers
- 1 round brie cheese
- Trader Joe’s gluten-free crackers
- Fruit jam, honey or nuts for topping
Bake brie until soft. Spread on crackers and top with jam, honey, nuts or other desired toppings.
Chili Lime Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
- 1 lb shrimp, cooked
- 1 avocado, diced
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Romaine or butter lettuce
- Trader Joe’s gluten-free crackers
Toss shrimp with avocado, lime juice, chili powder and olive oil. Spoon into lettuce cups and serve with crushed gluten-free crackers.
Smoked Salmon Salad Crackers
- 4 oz smoked salmon
- 2 oz cream cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
- Lemon juice
- Trader Joe’s gluten-free crackers
Mix flaked smoked salmon with cream cheese, dill and lemon juice. Top crackers with the salmon salad.
Caprese Crackers
- Cherry tomatoes, sliced
- Fresh mozzarella, sliced or cubed
- Fresh basil leaves
- Olive oil
- Balsamic glaze
- Trader Joe’s gluten-free crackers
Top crackers with sliced tomatoes, mozzarella, basil leaves, olive oil and balsamic glaze.
Gluten-Free Crackers Beyond Trader Joe’s
While Trader Joe’s offers quality gluten-free crackers, you can also find many options at conventional grocery stores and health food markets like:
- Schar Gluten-Free Crackers
- Kinnikinnick Gluten-Free Crackers
- Crunchmaster Multigrain Crackers
- Blue Diamond Nut Thins
- MadeGood Seed & Rice Crackers
Online stores specializing in gluten-free foods like Thrive Market also carry a wide selection. Or make your own homemade gluten-free crackers with your preferred gluten-free flours and seasonings.
Are Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Crackers Vegan?
Some of Trader Joe’s gluten-free cracker varieties are suitable for vegans, meaning they contain no animal products. Always check the ingredient list on each package to be sure.
Some vegan gluten-free cracker options at Trader Joe’s include:
- Gluten Free Original Crackers
- Gluten Free Multiseed Crackers
- Gluten Free Vegetable Crackers
- Gluten Free Rice Crackers
These all appear to be vegan-friendly based on current ingredient lists. Just take note that recipes can change over time.
Other Trader Joe’s gluten-free crackers contain milk powder or cheese and are not vegan. If you adhere to a vegan diet, be vigilant about always reading the ingredient lists and verifying no animal-derived ingredients.
Are Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Crackers Keto?
The ketogenic or “keto” diet emphasizes high fat, low carb eating. To stay in ketosis, you must restrict net carb intake to around 20-50g daily. Some of Trader Joe’s gluten-free crackers can fit into a keto diet in moderation.
Some keto-friendly options include:
- Gluten Free Multiseed Crackers (5g net carbs per serving)
- Gluten Free Reduced Guilt Crackers (4g net carbs per serving)
- Gluten Free Vegetable Crackers (6g net carbs per serving)
The key is to fit these into your daily carb allowance, measure portions carefully and not overindulge. Avoid TJ’s gluten-free crackers made with higher carb ingredients like brown rice or sweet potatoes. Check labels and aim for crackers with around 5g net carbs or less per serving if following a keto diet.
Price of Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Crackers
One of the best aspects of shopping at Trader Joe’s is the affordable prices, especially on specialty products like gluten-free foods. A 6 oz box of their Gluten Free Original Crackers costs just $2.49. The Gluten Free Multiseed Crackers also cost $2.49 for a 5.5 oz box.
This compares very favorably to other grocery stores, where gluten-free crackers often cost $4-6 for similar box sizes. You can often find Trader Joe’s gluten-free crackers on sale or discounted for even better value.
Buying their store brand gluten-free crackers instead of name brands saves quite a bit. And you don’t have to compromise on ingredients or taste either.
Here is a price comparison of Trader Joe’s gluten-free crackers vs other grocery stores:
| Cracker | Trader Joe’s Price | Other Grocery Store Price |
|---|---|---|
| Gluten Free Original Crackers | $2.49 for 6 oz | $4.99 for 6 oz |
| Gluten Free Multiseed Crackers | $2.49 for 5.5 oz | $5.49 for 5.5 oz |
| Gluten Free Vegetable Crackers | $2.99 for 5 oz | $4.49 for 4.4 oz |
As you can see, Trader Joe’s gluten-free crackers are priced much lower than identical or smaller sized packages at standard supermarkets and health food stores. The savings add up, making it more affordable to eat gluten-free.
Conclusion
In summary, yes Trader Joe’s does offer several high quality gluten-free cracker options perfect for those adhering to a gluten-free diet. Their gluten-free crackers are conveniently labeled, minimally processed, affordable and tasty. Varieties like the Multiseed, Vegetable and Reduced Guilt crackers make nutritious gluten-free snacks. Those on vegan, dairy-free or low carb diets can also find suitable crackers at Trader Joe’s. Just be sure to carefully read labels to verify the ingredients meet your dietary needs. Overall, Trader Joe’s gluten-free crackers are recommended for shoppers requiring tasty crackers free of gluten, wheat, barley and rye.
